How does the UAE handle mutual legal assistance requests in money laundering cases?
Formal international cooperation requests such as mutual legal assistance and extradition are processed through the Ministry of Justice and the relevant Public Prosecution offices. Informal cooperation, including information exchange by supervisory authorities, the FIU and law enforcement agencies, happens directly with foreign counterparts as permitted by applicable laws and agreements.
The NRA records that the UAE has focused outbound MLA requests on trade-based money laundering, third-party money laundering and foreign predicate offences including international facilitators, in line with the national action plan and the country’s risk profile. Statistics for 2019 to 2023 show continuing enhancement of international cooperation with jurisdictions identified by the NRA as high risk.
The Ministry of Justice developed a National Manual of AML, adopted a risk-based prioritisation matrix, runs regular training for illicit finance stakeholders, and increased human resources across public prosecution offices. The candid finding is that procedural delays still encumber international cooperation, and that joint investigation teams and reduced reliance on diplomatic channels are needed.
Legal Reference (source document):
· UAE Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment, 2nd NRA (2024)
· National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations Committee
Scope note: MLA is a state to state process. Reporting entities engage with it only through lawful requests received via UAE authorities.
Further reading: The UAE FIU and international cooperation
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